From ‘hamster institutions like the Whatcom Museum of History and Art to upstarts like the Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival, Bellingham’s rich and diverse arts scene is what makes this place unique. Follow the Bellingham arts scene with June Hathaway.

Valhalla Con Fantasy and Sci Fi Convention September 4

The Valhalla Con, “a fantasy and science fiction convention that is the spiritual successor to the long-running VikingCon,” is this weekend. The convention lineup features Hugo Award-winning writer Nancy Kress, paleontologist Peter Ward, WorldWeavers author Alma Alexander, Talebones Magazine editor Peter Swenson, and writer/Fantasy Magazine editor Cat Rambo (this is possibly the best name ever). Local guests include writer George Dyson and artist Jonathan Sodt. Look for panel discussions, coffee klatches and lots of gaming.

This is the first Valhalla Con, and from the looks of the website the organizers hit some speedbumps on the way. It takes a lot of time, money and dedication to put on something like this. So if you’d like to see an ongoing sci fi convention in Bellingham, head over to the Hampton Inn and represent. Registration info here.